The Li-Ning Red Hare series has quickly become a heavyweight in the running world, offering high-tech supercritical foams at a fraction of the price of Western competitors. But with both the Red Hare 9 Pro and the Red Hare 9 Ultra on the shelf, choosing the right one depends entirely on whether you want a nimble daily workhorse or a bouncy "super trainer."
At a Glance: Key Differences
| Category | Red Hare 9 PRO | Red Hare 9 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Versatile Daily Trainer | Max-Cushion "Super Trainer" |
| Midsole | Dual-layer BOOM | Triple-layer (incl. BOOM Capsule) |
| Heel Stack | 36mm | 46mm |
| Outsole | GCR (Ground Control Rubber) | GCU (Ground Control Ultra) |
| Ride Feel | Grounded, flexible, snappy | Bouncy, trampoline-like, fun |
Red Hare 9 Pro: The "Do-Everything" Workhorse
The Pro version is often compared to a "Nike Pegasus on steroids". It's designed for the runner who wants one shoe for everything from interval sprints to 15-mile tempo runs.
- The Ride: With a 36mm heel and 28mm forefoot (8mm drop), it offers plenty of protection but stays flexible in the forefoot. It provides a lot of ground feel, making it excellent for hills and technical cornering.
- Stability: It features the PROBAR LOC system — a midfoot shank that controls torsion. Because it sits lower to the ground than the Ultra, it feels more inherently stable for runners who might struggle with high-stack wobbling.
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Upper: Uses a stripped-down BOOM FIBER that feels more like a racing mesh. It's incredibly breathable but has zero stretch, providing a secure, performance-oriented lockdown.
Red Hare 9 Ultra: The Max-Cushion "Super Trainer"
If the Pro is the workhorse, the Ultra is the showhorse. It is a "super trainer" that mimics the geometry and bounce of top-tier race day shoes but in a package built for high-mileage marathon training.
- The Ride: This is a max-stack beast with a massive 46mm heel. It features a triple-layer midsole: a soft top layer, a nitrogen-infused Super Boom Capsule in the middle, and a beaded Pebax foam at the bottom. The result is a bouncy, trampoline-like effect that makes long runs feel significantly easier on the legs.
- Unique Tech: Unlike the Pro, the Ultra includes a winged fiberglass plate. This isn't as rigid as a carbon plate, but it adds a smooth, rolling propulsion that shines during steady-state long runs.
- Durability: It uses GCU (Ground Control Ultra) rubber, which some reviewers noted as being stickier and more durable than the standard GCR on the Pro.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Red Hare 9 Pro if:
- You prefer ground feel and flexibility over pure bounce.
- You need a shoe for track sessions, intervals, and fast tempo runs.
- You have concerns about stability in high-stack shoes.
- You are looking for the best value daily trainer for under $100.
Choose the Red Hare 9 Ultra if:
- You want a "Superblast" alternative with maximum protection for high-mileage weeks.
- You prioritize energy return and that "bouncy" sensation during long runs.
- You are training for a marathon and want a shoe that keeps your legs fresh for the next day.
- You want the latest "capsule" foam technology that is unique to Li-Ning.
Sizing Note
Both models tend to run slightly short and narrow. Most reviewers recommend going up a half size for a comfortable fit.